Nebraska Secures Top Seed in NCAA Tournament
Nebraska has secured the top seed in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament after finishing the season undefeated. The Huskers concluded the Big Ten season with a perfect 20-0 record, having lost only one set. This achievement places them at the forefront as they prepare for their quest for a sixth national championship.
Nebraska’s NCAA Tournament Overview
With the NCAA Tournament selection show recently concluded, Nebraska is set to begin its campaign on Friday at John Cook Arena. The Huskers will compete against Long Island University (LIU), the Northeast Conference (NEC) champions. LIU enters the tournament with a 20-8 record, having transformed from a challenging start of 0-6 to a strong 15-1 finish in conference play.
First Round Matchups
- Nebraska vs. Long Island University – Friday at 7 p.m. CST
- San Diego vs. Kansas State – Friday at 4:30 p.m. CST
In addition to LIU, other teams competing in the Nebraska bracket include San Diego, who boasts an impressive 25-4 record, and Kansas State, with a 17-9 record. All matches will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
Future Pathway and Potential Matchups
Nebraska’s tournament journey is promising. If all holds, their potential matchups could include:
| Opponent | Round | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| LIU | First Round | Dec 1, 7 p.m. CST |
| San Diego/Kansas State | Second Round | Dec 6, 7 p.m. CST |
The three teams joining Nebraska as top seeds in their region are Louisville, Texas A&M, and Pittsburgh. Nebraska’s coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, who previously coached Louisville, expressed admiration for both her current team and her former squad.
Experience and Strategy
Nebraska’s upperclassmen believe their experiences over recent seasons have prepared them for the upcoming challenges. Junior outside hitter Harper Murray emphasized the importance of their prior tournament exposure.
The Big Ten Conference had a strong showing, sending nine teams to the tournament, including Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, among others. This alignment proves the competitiveness of volleyball within this conference.
Conclusion
As they embark on their NCAA tournament journey, Nebraska’s focus remains clear. With a unique opportunity to create a memorable postseason, the Huskers are committed to maintaining their momentum and aiming for the championship.
